Tilly Foster Farm & Conservation Area

http://www.putnamcountyny.com/parks/area/tillyfoster.htm

Hours:  Monday - Sunday 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Information:  Call Putnam County Park Office at 845-225-3650

Location: Tilly Foster Farm and Tilly Foster Community Gardens are located on both sides of Route 312 near the Route 6 intersection in the Town of Southeast.

Admission: Free  (access to the Community Gardens for registered gardeners only)

History of the Tilly Foster Farm Area
A farmer named Tillingham Foster bought property on the road to Carmel in 1830.  He never mined the land; on his death his widow sold the farm. The Harvey Iron and Steel Company began mining at Tilly Foster in 1853.  In 1864, the price of pig iron hit its peak and a new Company, the Tilly Foster Iron Mines, took charge of the mine.  John Cheever and Henry Durant were the main investors in this new mine company.  The Tilly Foster Iron Mine closed in 1897. Detailed information about the Tilly Foster Iron Mine can be found on the Southeast Museum’s website: www.SoutheastMuseum.org.

In 1943 Mr. E.E. Benedict purchased what had been a small dairy farm with 75 head of cattle from Mr. Rundell Bloomer.  After the acquisition of several other small farms in the immediate area Benedict Farms quickly grew to a large dairy operation with 375 head of cattle capable of producing over 500,000 quarts of milk per year. The farm also raised chickens and hogs.

With the decline of dairy farming in New York State the Benedicts looked for a different source of income and found it in the breeding of racehorses.

Tilly Foster Farm was one of the leading thoroughbred farms in New York State. It produced many champion horses like 1969’s Silent Scream and 1997 DelMar Derby winner Anet. The farm has also been providing other breeders with knowledge and care as a breeding facility.
Things to do at the farm

Rules and Regulations For Tilly Foster Farm and Conservation Area
1) Fishing is permitted. NYS DEC Regulations apply.
2) Organized groups may not use farm without permission.
3) Alcoholic beverages may not be brought onto the property.
4) Vehicles are not permitted on the lawns.
5) Horseback riding permitted. All horses being transported to the farm must have a valid Coggins and Rabies certificate with them at all times.
6) Nothing may be sold or offered for sale on the farm unless the vendor first obtains a permit from the Park Office.
7)  Plant’s, shrubs, or trees may not be damaged or destroyed.
8)  Fires may be burned only in grills.
9)  No guns or other weapons will be permitted.
10)  No touching or feeding domestic or wild animals (geese, ducks, deer, etc.).
11)  An adult must accompany children under 16 years of age.
12)  No climbing fences.
13)  All buildings are off limits unless otherwise deemed open to the public.
The Putnam County Tilly Foster Farm/County Park employees are empowered to exclude from the farm anyone who, in their opinion, disobeys farm Rules and Regulations, creates a nuisance, or jeopardizes the safety , health or comfort of visitors. We urge you to cooperate in maintaining your County properties.

The Tilly Foster Community Gardens
In Spring 2006, Tilly Foster Community Gardens opened to the public.
There are 125 20 by 20 feet gardens (or equal square footage) surrounded by a 10 foot high deer fence. A well in the center of the garden as well as spigots around the perimeter of the garden provide a source for irrigating the gardens.
Flowers, vegetables and herbs are grown organically. Several gardeners participated in the Putnam County 4-H Fair and received awards for their vegetables and flowers.
If you are interested in growing your own vegetables and flowers please call the Putnam County Parks Department at (845)225-3650.

Special thanks for permission to use text written by Chris Ruthven.

 

Friends of Tilly Foster
PO Box 144
Brewster, NY 10509
Email: Info at FriendsofTillyFoster.org